Arsenal signed Auston Trusty from Colorado Rapids on the final day of the January transfer window but he will remain on loan and play for the MLS side until the close of the season.
The American side is another sports club owner by billionaire Stan Kroenke and for some fans, it was surprising that the club signed Trusty in the window. The 23-year-old will be loaned out to a European club to "further progress his development" per the Gunners statement on their website.
But, could he hinder the development of William Saliba at the club? On Wednesday's The Arsenal Way 'Agenda' show hosted by Tom Canton (TC), Bailey Keogh, Chris Davison (CD) discussed Trusty could fair for Arsenal and whether it will affect William Saliba's time at the club.
TC: “Do you think this Auston Trusty is going to come in and unlock the path of William Saliba?”
CD: “No, not at all. Trusty, I think we have to respect the fact that he’s an Arsenal player now. I know not a lot of people saw that one coming on deadline day. A lot of Arsenal fans aren’t familiar with him as well.
“But, he’s still a young lad. He’s obviously fulfilled a dream by moving to Arsenal. He’s still at Colorado Rapids until the end of the season, then the plan is for Arsenal to loan him out to a European club next season.
“Arsenal confirmed that in the announcement. Looks like it’s just about building relationships with Colorado and strategies between them. They’re a club that Stan owns as well.
“It reminds me of that Tukuma Asano deal a couple of years ago. Where it was just a publicity stunt almost. Of course, you can’t really rule out Trusty representing Arsenal in the future.
“He could do really well this season then go out on loan. Do really well, impress in training when he’s here as well. I know a lot of people have watched him seem to think he’s got a lot of potential and some talent in there.
“So, who knows? He’s an Arsenal player technically. So, we’ll just have to watch his development closely and see how he gets on. He may surprise and do really well. But, in terms of impacting Saliba’s development and chances of making it at Arsenal.
“I don’t think it will have a direct impact on that at all.”
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